Laser Camera Switching Eye-Safe and Non-Eye-Safe Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot laser vision systems require operators to wear protective eyewear during programming and adjustments, limiting clear vision and posing safety concerns for workers in close proximity, due to the need for non-eye-safe lasers for effective tracking in welding environments.
Innovation Solution
A process tracking laser camera with both non-eye-safe and eye-safe operating modes, featuring a control unit that switches between high-power non-eye-safe and low-power eye-safe laser units, allowing safe programming without protective eyewear by enabling an eye-safe laser beam with a distinct appearance, thereby ensuring operator safety during adjustments and programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a non-eye-safe laser is used for tracking, then good signal-to-noise ratio is achieved in welding environments, but operator safety is compromised and protective eyewear is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between non-eye-safe and eye-safe laser units based on operational requirements. The control unit receives signals from the welding controller to determine when welding is active, and accordingly activates the appropriate laser unit - non-eye-safe during welding for optimal tracking, and eye-safe during programming/adjustments for safety
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system is segmented into two separate laser units: a non-eye-safe laser unit for high-performance tracking during welding operations, and an eye-safe laser unit for safe operation during programming and adjustments. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function without compromise
2Object-affected harmful factors
If protective eyewear is required for operators, then eye safety is ensured, but clear vision of the working environment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between non-eye-safe and eye-safe laser units based on operational requirements. The control unit receives signals from the welding controller to determine when welding is active, and accordingly activates the appropriate laser unit - non-eye-safe during welding for optimal tracking, and eye-safe during programming/adjustments for safety
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system is segmented into two separate laser units: a non-eye-safe laser unit for high-performance tracking during welding operations, and an eye-safe laser unit for safe operation during programming and adjustments. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function without compromise
3Measurement precision
If high-power lasers are used for tracking, then effective joint tracking is achieved, but safety restrictions and measures must be enforced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between non-eye-safe and eye-safe laser units based on operational requirements. The control unit receives signals from the welding controller to determine when welding is active, and accordingly activates the appropriate laser unit - non-eye-safe during welding for optimal tracking, and eye-safe during programming/adjustments for safety
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system is segmented into two separate laser units: a non-eye-safe laser unit for high-performance tracking during welding operations, and an eye-safe laser unit for safe operation during programming and adjustments. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function without compromise
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe robot programming and adjustments without special eyewear by using an eye-safe laser, while maintaining effective joint tracking with non-eye-safe lasers during processing, enhancing operator safety and automation in manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first laser unit for projecting a non-eye-safe laser beam towards the target area of a workpiece
Implementation Method 2
a second laser unit for projecting an eye-safe laser beam towards the target area of the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A process tracking laser camera with non-eye-safe and eye-safe operating modes is disclosed. The camera has an image sensor with a field of view covering a target area of a workpiece. The camera also has first and second laser units for projecting respectively non-eye-safe and eye-safe laser beams towards the target area. A control unit has laser drivers for driving the laser units, a cut-off circuit operatively connected to the laser driver of the first laser unit for disabling its operation depending on a control signal, and a control circuit for controlling the laser drivers depending on a cut-off condition of the cut-off circuit controlled by a switch device so that the first laser unit is enabled and the second laser unit is disabled in the non-eye-safe operating mode while the first laser unit is disabled and the second laser unit is enabled in the eye-safe operating mode.